The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-07-10

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou Criticized Economic Policy

Mr.Papandreou described as tragic the situation of the Greek economy, particularly after today's release of the Bank of Greece report which literally describes fiscal derailment. He stressed that the Greek people demands change in order to revive hope, to draw a plan and ensure security for tomorrow and the future of the country.

After being briefed on the situation of Greece's tourism, Mr. Papandreou attributed the crisis in the tourist sector to the government's policy which lacks investments, planning and vision. He said that tourism is a vital sector for Greece's economy, underlining the need for quality tourism which not be unreservedly let to the free market rules and clientele management.

News item: 24689

[02] Blastos to Testify on Monday

In the meantime, after the director of Agias Prison, in Hania, the chief- guard of Alikarnassos prison was also relieved off his duties following decision of Justice Minister Nikos Dendias. Newspaper articles say that he had agreed to transfer Panagiotis Blastos from Trikala to Alikarnassos prison. Mr, Dendias has also asked Cretan Court Prosecutor to conduct an investigation to see whether the newspaper articles are grounded.

Source: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8

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[03] Papandreou Calls for Changes in Education

Papandreou said that schools have no connections with everyday experiences, therefore, students get bored and find no reason going there.

The Socialist leader also referred to the need to incorporate new technologies in education, and spoke of the development and exploitation of an ocean of information. He then went on to suggest the creation of innovation centres, not only for the sake of the market, but as a social tool.

âLet's use technology to resolve common problems,â said he, further adding, âthe new possibilities will have a significant influence on the shaping and exploitation of people's talents.â

After his speech at the conference, Papandreou joined a debate on open school in Greece.

News item: 24678

[04] Amendment on Polls â PASOK is 4.1% Ahead

In the meantime, an amendment banning pollsters from releasing opinion polls results 15 days before an election was submitted to Parliament. Citing recent experience from the European elections, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that returning to the previous regime is better for reasons that relate to the quality of Democracy.

PASOK and SYRIZA have given a positive rating to the amendment, blaming, at the same time, the government for petty party expediencies.

Source: NET 105.8

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[05] Revealing Conversations and Testimonies

Ringleader Panagiotis Vlastos even planned a jailbreak with helicopter, following into the footsteps of notorious criminal Paleokostas. The intercepted phone conversations between the gang members revealed they were planning to buy a helicopter and murdering rival Kostas Nastoulis and his mother.

In the meantime, Deputy Public Order Minister Christos Markogiannakis congratulated the Greek police for breaking up the ring. He then dismissed comments on his wife's phone conversation with the resigned Chania prison head, whose name has been implicated in the case.

PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) needs crystal clear answers to the alleged involvement of political persons, commented Giorgos Papakonstantinou.

Asked on the involvement of government officials in conversations with the arrestess, government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stressed that those implicated have clearly answered to that, noting that people should not believe rumours and groundless claims.

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[06] Obama Shakes Hands with Qaddafi

The handshaking between US President Barack Obama and Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi at the dinner held in honor of the world leaders that took part in the G8 Summit was termed as momentous, since it was the first time Qaddafi met with a US President. The two leaders were photographed together, while TV footage showed them sitting almost next to each other at the dinner, with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi being in between.

After several years of strained bilateral ties, with Washington accusing Libya for sponsoring terrorism, there has been a change in their relations. Mutual skepticism, however, is still there. The two nations restored their diplomatic relations in 200.

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[07] H1N1 Cases Soar to 222 in Greece

Symptoms remain mild, while all health agencies are on standby to address the new infections, said the Health Ministry, underlining that everything is under control. Avramopoulos said that there is a sufficient stockpiles of anti-virus medicines, while some 8 million vaccines have been ordered.

The strategic action plan includes the vaccination of four million Greek in October and February.

In Greece, said Avramopoulos, 78% of the infections has to do with travelers, however, there has been a rise in the infections recorded. Fearing that the increase rate might stand at 54% in autumn, the Greek Health Minister did not rule out deaths.

News item: 24668

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